UAE suspends Iranian airline flights amid new US sanctions

The United Arab Emirates has suspended flights by Iranian carriers following new U.S. sanctions, according to officials cited by Al Jazeera. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said the restrictions began Sept. 24 and would remain in place until further notice. The regulator linked the decision to a U.S. ban on Iranian airlines using airports in several countries, warning that companies serving Iranian carriers may face sanctions and exclusion from the U.S. financial system. The move is expected to disrupt a major regional travel link: Dubai is a key hub for Iranian airlines and has long-standing community and trade ties with Iran. An Iran Airtour flight from Tehran to Dubai was cancelled just before takeoff, and Iranian officials said talks are underway to restore service.